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Classic Console Buying Guide

Overview

Ah, the glory days, when digital fun was defined by two on-screen paddles smashing a tiny ball back and forth, the only sound being a quaint "bloop" on contact. Video games have progressed quite a deal since the introduction of Pong  in the 1970s; consoles nowadays are capable of producing photo-realistic visuals and authentic surround sound. Everyone once in a while, though, we all have the urge to to back and play the games with which we grew up. Whether it was Super Mario Bros.  on the original Nintendo Entertainment System,  Galaga  on the Atari 7800  or Golden Axe  on the Sega Genesis,  these old-school games and consoles have left us with a sense of nostalgia that is difficult to dismiss (that is, until we play them again). 

Where to Buy

The main problem with trying to play your favourite games on out of production consoles is the fact that you can't just go to a store and buy them. Even used game stores, like Gamestop and Electronics Boutique, have phased out all of their used games that came out before the release of the PlayStation 2.  Finding old video games can be tricky. Here are a few pointers on where to look for your old favourites, and ideally save some money doing it.

  • eBay should probably be the first place you look. At any given time, there are hundreds of auctions for various games and equipment, often by people simply looking to get rid of the stuff. eBay is a great tool for the beginning collector, but be careful; a lot of the games are incomplete with regards to packaging, and some auctions can be bid up far more than they're worth. Shop carefully.
  • Tag sales are a great place to find old systems and games. Often enough, the ones selling don't even know the value of what they have, which is good for you. If you have the time, and a careful eye, there are some great bargains to be had.
  • Likewise, pawn shops are a great place to go for classic video games. Similarly, stores like Salvation Army  and Goodwill  are also places you can have a lucky break if you look carefully.

First Generation Consoles

Magnavox Odyssey 

Atari Pong 

Coleco Telestar 

 

Second Generation Consoles

 

Third Generation Consoles

 

Fourth Generation Consoles

 

Fifth Generation Consoles

 

Sixth Generation Consoles

 

Related Guides

Xbox 360 Buying Guide

Nintendo Wii Buying Guide

PlayStation 3 Buying Guide

External Links

  • Wikipedia.org: Everything you ever wanted to know about video games, from the advent of classic consoles, to the 1980s market crash, to today's lightning-fast offerings.
  • ClassicGaming.GameSpy.com: GameSpy's website dedicated to classic gaming in all its former and current incarnations.